1.31.2013

Say hello to Sue, my beautiful friend and client who so graciously agreed to do a BEFORE and AFTER for you.

She is an amazing individual who is always laughing and a ton of fun to be around.

Married with 3 grown daughters allows her to enjoy retired life with her husband, which also involves traveling to see her girls and grand kids.

Sue has never been one to wear a lot of makeup or fuss about being too fashionable and trendy. Therefore I wanted to give her an easy, natural makeup routine and a wardrobe that matches her lifestyle and personality.

BEFORE

AFTER

I gave Sue a simple and easy routine that will brighten and enhance her features and sparkly eyes.

Sue's wardrobe mostly consisted of tees, jeans and tennis shoes because she wanted to always be comfortable and just thought "nothing is going to fit me anyway, why bother". (We can all identify, I think)

AFTER

Our day of shopping started out trying on under garments as I believe your clothes will fit much better if your undergarments fit well. Notice the difference a great fitting bra in the right size makes. Yes, I just pointed it out. Now off you go for a bra fitting. Hurry. Go. You can thank me later when your "girls" are up and out where they are supposed to be. Need more motivation? It makes your rib cage look slimmer. So go.

We discovered she loves dramatic colors and patterns, sparkles and jewelry. I could not have been more thrilled. It's amazing what you can wear when you simply give yourself permission. Stop waiting till you are the "perfect" size or shape and have some fun with your clothes!

I still did jeans for Sue since that works for her lifestyle and comfort level. We just did them in a more modern wash and a better fit. What a difference!

We did a suede bootie that she can wear with everything.

AFTER

BEFORE

This was Sue's dressed up version of jeans.

AFTER

I gave her a great fitting, dark wash pair of skinny jeans which she never thought she could wear. A fun graphic tee and striped cardigan is a perfect outfit for her.

Her one request was...I would love to be able to wear a pair of tall boots, followed by "but I know that's not a possibility since I wear a leg brace". Well loving a challenge I found boots that fit her leg brace and are still cool. There was lots of dancing in the fitting room at that point in time! Again, it just goes to prove you should stop limiting yourself if you have never tried something.

Great fitting jeans consist of finding a pair that fits your frame well, is a "substantial", denim with a little stretch. Pay attention to your back pockets, they can make or break your tush. Keeping the pockets closer together and going almost straight up and down (as opposed to angling out to the side) will make your tush look smaller and narrower. A dark wash jeans also helps in slimming your legs and tush. Bam, there you have it!

If you know Sue give her a shout out and tell her how fabulous she looks.

Sue, you know I love and appreciate you so much! Thanks again for being my Before and After model.

1.18.2013

I have always wanted a pair of leather pants but since I don't want to spend that kind of money I chose a pair of faux leather pants.

And here is my review on those "leather" pants. I tried to pick a pair that looks like real leather. However, when I wear them they certainly don't feel real! There is very little stretch in them; therefore every time I sit down or bend over the waistband slides right down over my tush and I end up with the crotch halfway to my knee. I know, great visual, right. So I end up pulling up my pants the entire night.

I have worn them a few times and try to wear them with a longer shirt so you can't see the minute they slide down. Is it worth it? Still trying to decide.

So here is my idea...If you want leather looking pants try a pair of coated jeans such as these or these.

1.17.2013

A knit dress I have had in my closet for about 3 years. I loved the dress but didn't wear it much due to it having a lot of sequins and trim on the shoulders, making it "fancier" and harder to wear with a cardigan or jacket.

So the other week I pulled out a seam ripper and scissors and in about half an hour I had a new black, less fancy, knit dress that I will wear all the time.

Have you eve re-invented an article of clothing by making simple changes?

1.11.2013

How is it possible to pack for a 5 day trip with a carry-on only you ask.

Ever since the airlines started making you pay to check a bag I have gotten very creative and a minimalist when traveling. You can look fantastic without taking everything but the kitchen sink.

Ok, here are my tips...

#1 Check the weather for your destination (obviously) and then start by picking outfits that will mix and match. I take snapshots with my phone as this helps me visualize where I'm at and how much I am using each piece. (examples below) It's also great when you arrive at your destination and are trying to remember why you packed what you did.

#2 Roll every single piece of clothing and pack into Space To Go bags, quite possibly one of the best inventions ever. This will give you about a third more space in your suitcase. It will also keep everything dry in case of a spill. This gives you plenty of room for everything and still leaves room for a little shopping.

I pack the same way if I'm packing a larger suitcase to check in.

I always carry my liquids in my large handbag so I don't have to open my suitcase when going through security.

Here are the outfits I packed...

Travel Day...

I most always pick leggings or stretchy jeans when traveling in the winter since it's like wearing pj's but still stylish. I'm very minimal on accessorizing when traveling and pick one cross body bag that will go with everything and tuck it into my large bag.